Text reads: Where would you say the line is between appropriation/fetishisation and wanting to learn about distant family? I’m white (UK origin) and very into geneaology and learning about the lives of those in my family before me. A great* grandmother in the 19th century was a WOC and I would love to learn about her home culture, but I’ve held back because I don’t know if that would make me like one of those “I’m 128th Cherokee princess, I can know/do/say everything of theirs!” types.

Learning about your own history is not fetishization. It would be great to learn more about where you came from. The only way it could be/turn negative is if you used whatever you learned to over step others and act as if you understood things in your current life that you very likely do not based on your skin color.

For example, if you find that you have a Native ancestor, don’t suddenly start talking about how you’re part of an oppressed nation because of it. You know you’re white/perceived as white. Learn more about who you are and don’t let anything you learn…well…turn you into an asshole.